Exploring the Interplay between Social Network Engagement and Traditional Predictors of Youth Voting Behaviour: Insights from emerging democracies

Nursyahida Zulkifli; Wan Nurul Basirah Wan Mohamad Noor; Mohamad Rahimi Mohamad Rosman; Nor Farizah  Johari; Muhammad Syafiq Hassan

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI27.6814

Authors

Nursyahida Zulkifli Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Wan Nurul Basirah Wan Mohamad Noor aculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohamad Rahimi Mohamad Rosman College of Computing, Informatics & Media, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Nor Farizah Johari Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan, Malaysia
Muhammad Syafiq Hassan Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI27.6814

Keywords:

intention to vote, social network engagement, subjective norms, young voters

Abstract

Youth voter turnout in Malaysia remains low despite Undi-18 reforms. While social media is central to political engagement, its impact on youth voting behaviour is underexplored. This study examines the moderating effect of social network engagement on the relationship between traditional voting behaviour predictors and voting intentions among Malaysian youth. Findings show that pre-election perceptions, subjective norms, and political awareness significantly shape voting intentions, but social network engagement does not moderate this relationship. These insights highlight the enduring role of traditional socialisation and guide policymakers in leveraging digital platforms to enhance electoral participation in emerging democracies.

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